The Sat Report: Pope Francis stable, back at work and spoke with the Parish of Gaza
We need to continue to pray for the Pope who remains in critical condition
“Furthermore, the condition of fragility reminds us of the tragedy of death. In many ways, we try to banish death from our societies, so dependent on appearances, and even remove it from our language. Death, however, imposes itself as a reality with which we have to reckon, a sign of the precariousness and brevity of our lives.”
This is how Pope Francis chose to mediate on death in his sermon for Ash Wednesday, delivered by Angelo Cardinal De Donatis, Major Penitentiary of the Apostolic Penitentiary.
The latest on Pope Francis’ health is that he is stable, sitting in a chair, and is back at work. He hasn’t had any further respiratory setbacks. This morning he had a phone call with the Catholic Parish in Gaza. He continues with physiotherapy and the high-flow oxygen by day/BiBAP by night.
His bilateral pneumonia is following the normal course of the condition responding to treatment treatment. The Pope, we are told, also remains in a good mood. So things are looking more positive then they did three days ago.
Despite the absence of acute respiratory failure over the last two days, the medicla team are rightly being cautious and want to see more data before stating that the Pope is no longer in a critical condition.
Here is today’s statement from the Holy See Press Office in full:
“The Holy Father remained stable today as well, without any episodes of respiratory insufficiency.
As planned, he utilized supplemental, high-flow oxygenation, and non-invasive mechanical ventilation will be resumed tonight.
The Holy Father increased his respiratory and active motor physiotherapy. He spent the day in his armchair.
Given the complexity of the clinical situation, the prognosis remains guarded.
This morning, in the private apartment located on the 10th floor, the Holy Father participated in the rite of the blessing of the Sacred Ashes, which were imposed on him by the celebrant. He then received Holy Communion.
Afterwards, he engaged in several work activities. During the morning, he also called Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest of the Holy Family Church in Gaza.
In the afternoon, he alternated between rest and work."
This evening the tenth of the nightly rosaries for the health of Pope Francis has held in St. Peter’s Square, tonight led by Marcello Cardinal Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, with the some of the Roman Curia and most of the other Cardinals resident in Rome in attendance.
Let us all please continue to pray for the Pope, whose condition is critical, during this very trying time for him.
Oremus pro Pontifice nostro Francisco. Dominus conservet eum, et vivificet eum, et beatum faciat eum in terra, et non tradat eum in animam inimicorum eius.